A study of tribological behaviour of W-Co and Cu electro-spark alloyed layers under lubricated sliding conditions

Electro-spark-alloying was used to enhance tribological properties of carbon steel surfaces. Two different materials - copper and W-Co were used for alloying. Surfaces were compared according to topography, mechanical and tribological properties. The properties of alloyed surfaces were compared with untreated steel surface. Results show that electro-spark-alloyed surfaces have high roughness which must be reduced during grinding or polishing. The alloyed surfaces possess better tribological properties in comparison to untreated steel surface. The W-Co alloyed surface shoved the best tribological properties. The surface after the test has almost no wear and its steady state friction was about 30% smaller. Alloying with copper reduced wear more than two times, however its run-in friction is unacceptable.